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Ricketts: Jamaica ‘very proud’ of U17 World Cup qualification - Juveniles make third appearance at FIFA’s global championship after beating Canada 3-1
February 12, 2026
Jamaica's under-17 Reggae Boyz secured the nation's third appearance at a FIFA Under-17 World Cup Finals, after a 3-1 win over Canada in their decisive Group G match at the Costa Rica Football Federation field in Costa Rica on Wednesday.
The team was led by Wendell Downswell, who was a member of the coaching staff on the two previous occasions the team qualified, in 1999 and 2011.
President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Michael Ricketts, could not contain his joy, noting that three teams - two senior women and now an under 17 men - have qualified for a World Cup Final under his watch.
"It's three World Cup qualification in eight years. But this is the first men's one and I must say I got emotional," Ricketts told STAR Sports.
"We are just absolutely delighted and I must congratulate my good friend and coach Wendell Downswell, who seems to have a knack for qualifying U17s.
"The coaching staff was essentially the same. He was the addition (new), and of course they would have worked and shared thoughts together and the rest is history. Jamaica is very proud."
RUTHLESS ATTACKING
Despite playing on the defensive for most of the game, the young Jamaicans were ruthless in attack. They took the lead through captain Jahmarie Nolan (37th), before Jamone Lyle (53rd) added another goal early in the second half.
Canada pulled a goal back at the 72nd minute through a Van Parker penalty.
However, they went down to 10 players when Vincente Lourenco was shown the red card in the 85th minute.
Jaheem Bennett (90+2) then sealed the win and secured Jamaica's spot in Qatar in November.
Ricketts pointed out that this success has been in the making, with Jamaica's under-14's winning the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Challenge Cup in 2024 and the under-15 championship last year.
The JFF president dedicated the qualification to victims and people living in parishes that were devastated by Hurricane Melissa.
"This victory is for Jamaica. We wanted to give western Jamaica, which was devastated by Hurricane Melissa something to smile about. So this victory is for them," Ricketts said.
He added that the intention is not just to achieve qualification to the tournament, but to go there and make a mark.
"Our U14s and U15s have done well. Now it's time for the U17s and we are just absolutely delighted.
"The World Cup will be in Qatar in November and we have some months to give them some exposure. And it's not just qualifying. We want to make an impression when we go to the World Cup. So congrats to the young Reggae Boyz, to the coaching staff, every director and parish president, and let's see what will happen," he concluded.
Jamaica finished atop Group G with maximum nine points, three more than Canada, to gain automatic qualification.
